Maryland Hunters Bag 89 Black Bears in Annual Hunt

Maryland hunters harvested 89 black bears last week as part of the state's annual hunt. The season, which ran from October 26 to 31, focused on Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties. The total harvest consisted of 28 male and 61 female bears, consistent with the state's five-year average of 95.

Garrett County saw the highest harvest with 61 bears, followed by Washington County with 10. Allegany and Frederick counties each had nine bears harvested. The largest bear, taken in Garrett County, had an estimated weight of 313 pounds, with the average for all harvested bears being 156 pounds.

Beyond the main hunt, farmers holding agricultural damage permits harvested an additional 15 bears between August 15 and October 27. This annual hunt is a crucial strategy for managing Maryland's growing bear population and reducing human-bear conflicts, particularly in the western counties where the breeding population is concentrated.

Officials also noted that residents might see an increase in bear sightings as the animals prepare for hibernation, which typically begins in mid-November. They advise securing food sources to prevent encounters.